# India bat first in Galle as Padikkal returns to Test XI

2026-08-15T07:15:51+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

India chose to bat first in Galle, bringing Devdutt Padikkal into the playing XI. Kuldeep Yadav was selected as one of India’s three frontline spinners. Sri Lanka handed Nuwantha a Test debut and recalled wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella after a three-year absence, ESPNcricinfo reported. The opening choices point to a match shaped by spin and experience. India have backed three frontline spinners, while Sri Lanka have combined a debutant with Dickwella’s return. The toss result gives India first use of the Galle pitch, but the value of that decision will depend on how the surface behaves through the Test.

## Coverage

- cricinfo.com <https://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1550020.html?ex_cid=OTC-RSS>

Tags: Devdutt Padikkal, Galle, India, Kuldeep Yadav, Niroshan Dickwella, Sri Lanka
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